Gay Couples Will Now Have Rights in Washington

Probably one of the biggest political and societal debates of the 21^st century has been waged over the rights, or lack there of, allowed same-sex couples. Several states have passed laws legalizing same-sex marriages but, not every state has decided to address the issue. Governor Chris Gregoire of Washington State has signed into law a new measure giving rights to same-sex couples via a domestic partnership registry not marriage.

The domestic partnership registry provides legal rights to not only same-sex couples but, couples who have chosen to live together and not become legally married. The issues covered by the law are hospital visitation rights, authorization for organ donation and autopsies as well as inheritance rights when the deceased partner has no legal will.

Supporters of same-sex rights are positive that this law is a step in the right direction toward equal rights and representation for a group of people shunned until recently. "It offers the hope that one day, all lesbian and gay families will be treated equally under the law," said state Senator Ed Murray. Senator Murray is one of only five openly gay representatives in Legislature.

The rules for registration are simple. The couples must live in the same home, not be married or in a domestic relationship and be at least 18 years of age. Heterosexual couples affected have to be unmarried with at least one partner being 62 years old.

Governor Gregoire was given an overwhelming standing ovation from more than 200 people waiting in the reception room of the state Capital. "This is a very proud moment for me as governor, to make sure the rights of all our citizens are equal," he offered.

Not all feedback has been positive. Joseph Fuiten, a Bothell pastor and leader of the Positive Christian Agenda said, "I think it's an unfortunate step backward, not knowing where it will lead us culturally." He later added, "Giving marriage-lite benefits without the benefit of marriage strikes me as not a good idea." The Positive Christian Agenda is a state group known for their disapproval of same-sex marriages.